My Fair Lizzy by Barbara Silkstone - Guest Post and Giveaway

Today I'm welcoming Barbara Silkstone with a guest post about her new book, which is a mash up of Pygmalion (which is the basis for My Fair Lady) and Pride & Prejudice. Read on for Barbara's guest post, which also includes the book description, and a giveaway for both US and international readers!


Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Publishing - Barbara Silkstone

Ideas are like bits of dandelion fluff; they float around on soft breezes slyly touching authors at the same time, no matter where those authors reside. Most writers of Jane Austen Fan Fiction will tell you of their chance encounters with these airborne fantasies.

Recently, as I put the finishing touches on MY FAIR LIZZY, a lighthearted mash-up of Pride & Prejudice and Pygmalion, I noticed that Riana Everly was readying her new release: same title ~ same mash-up. We connected and compared. Our approaches were different, our tales were not the same, but we were both polishing the same beloved story to meld happily with the world of Darcy and Elizabeth.

Authors will share their tales of oopsie daisy with other authors and what can be done to avoid a collision. Riana had an alternate title in her pocket and her My Fair Lizzy has now become TEACHING ELIZA. Happily, Riana will be here at Babblings of a Bookworm on October 23rd to share her new release with you. Check out how two different authors approach the same mash-up. 

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Lizzy Bennet, a sassy London shop girl is instantly attracted to Fitzwilliam Darcy, the arrogant, handsome visitor to the Bennets’ struggling Covent Garden flower shop. Darcy insists on purchasing Lizzy’s lucky orchid as a gift for his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Will Lizzy sell her family’s much needed good fortune to the haughty know it all?

Complications arise when Darcy accepts Bingley’s wager to make a sophisticated lady out of the humble flower girl. Can Lizzy endure Darcy’s mentoring in order to save the Bennet family’s flower shop? Will Caroline Bingley tolerate Darcy’s peppery new student? Will Wickham finally bring about Darcy’s ruination?

This is a light-hearted tale of a headstrong, London lass (Lizzy) whose drive to achieve more than life has handed her compels her to accept the position of pawn in a wager between two friends, (Darcy and Bingley). Gumption meets true love.

A fun read for all those who have ever enjoyed George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.

Excerpt from MY FAIR LIZZY ~

“Mr. Darcy is accomplished in linguistics and etiquette,” Bingley said. “What if he were to teach you refined speaking and social graces? Would that not help? I would be pleased to recommend my friends and acquaintances to your flower shop.”

“Mr. Darcy ain’t about to help the likes of us,” Lizzy said. “And, if he did, I’m guessing he would charge for the lessons. We cannot afford to pay him.”
This was coming together nicely, Bingley thought. The sisters did understand what they lacked. He could not lose, for no matter the outcome, he would ingratiate himself with Miss Jane Bennet.

He began to explain to his guests the details of his wager with Darcy, softening his words so as not to offend. He suggested Lizzy play student for Darcy. Bingley sweetened the proposal by saying that he would pay for the lessons and all the expenses including her gown because she would be expected to attend Lady Catherine’s birthday gala acting the part of a noblewoman. “We must strike while the wager is on the table!” His countenance took on the appearance of a mischievous little boy.

The sisters exchanged amused looks. They knew from observation how men could become completely engaged in a bet. Bingley had dared Darcy to educate a person of low class and pass that person off as titled nobility. She was being offered the position of pawn in their contest.

There was nothing shy about Lizzy. When a question burdened her mind, she voiced it. “What will your wife say about you buying clothes for strange ladies?”

Bingley blushed. “I am an unwed gentleman—but a gentleman nevertheless.”

Although Lizzy was certain that a gentleman of Mr. Bingley’s stature could never offer for a lady who lived in Cheapside, she could not silence the little voice deep inside of her that spoke of Jane’s future.

The more acceptable arrangement might have been for Darcy to tutor Jane, but Bingley wished to keep her to himself. He was astute enough to know that one sister would learn and the other would imitate her. He did not wish Jane exposed to his friend’s quirks of ego, whereas he rightly perceived Lizzy Bennet was more than Darcy’s equal.

Seizing the opportunity, Lizzy said, “Can Mr. Darcy really teach proper speaking to someone like me? I was born within the sound of the bells of St. Mary-le-bow. My speech is as much a part of me as my willfulness. I fear Mr. Darcy and me shan’t get along very well,” Lizzy said.

“He is well studied,” Bingley answered, not willing to tell them that Darcy had never instructed anyone but his own sister, Georgiana. And worse yet, Darcy assumed Bingley’s choice of a student for their wager would be a lad.

“I’m afraid Mr. Darcy did not take to me. He is not the warmest of gents,” Lizzy said, frowning.

“Darcy takes some getting accustomed to, but I believe he will make an excellent mentor for you. However, you must work very hard, and be very patient with him. It will not be easy. I am interested in seeing this experiment through, and actually wish Darcy success. I have no other motive.” Bingley tried not to look at Jane as he uttered a slight fib.

“Let us go encounter the bear in his den, for he expects me this afternoon,” Bingley said. He gently guided them to the door and into his waiting carriage.

The change in their fortunes was all happening so quickly, Lizzy felt spun around and topsy-turvy. She would have insisted on asking her parents’ permission before even listening to such an offer, but they were caught up in their own troubles and this opportunity would not wait. They were off to Darcy House.

With love & laughter!
Barbara Silkstone

About the Author

Barbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of both Regency Pride and Prejudice variations, including the popular the MISTER DARCY SERIES OF COMEDIC MYSTERIES ~ PRIDE AND PREJUDICE contemporary variations. All her books are light comedies based on Jane Austen's timeless tales of love denied and love discovered. "Feel good" tales to warm your heart.

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Giveaway Time!

Please post a comment by the end of the day on Sunday October 22nd to qualify for the drawing. One winner will received a signed paperback copy of My Fair Lizzy (US Only) and one winner will received an ebook version of My Fair Lizzy (outside the US.) Winners will be announced during the week of Oct. 23.

Buy Links

The book is available to buy now!

• Amazon US / Amazon UK • Kobo • iBooks • Nook • Add to your Goodreads shelf •